England host Sri Lanka in first ODI at Riverside Ground on September 22, 2026
England and Sri Lanka will meet in the first match of the England vs Sri Lanka ODI Series 2026 at Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street on September 22, 2026, with a 5 PM IST start; England arrive fresh from a three-match T20I whitewash over Sri Lanka.
Kusal Mendis has returned from injury and will captain Sri Lanka, with his comeback described as strengthening the batting unit, while Joe Root is named in England’s side and is expected to bolster an already powerful English batting group; England recently attained the No. 1 ranking in T20Is and will seek a winning start to the ODI series. The two sides have met 82 times in ODIs: England 40 wins, Sri Lanka 38 wins, one tied game and three no results.
The forecast for Tuesday in Chester-le-Street shows partly cloudy conditions; the temperature will be around Chester-le-Street and the average humidity is expected at 65-68 percent. The Riverside wicket generally favors batters, offering reliable bounce and consistent pace, with fast bowlers getting movement and bounce in the first few overs before the surface begins to grip as the match progresses.
England’s listed XI are Ben Duckett, Tom Banton, Will Jacks, Joe Root, Jos Buttler, Harry Brook (c), Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue. Sri Lanka’s listed XI are Kamil Mishara, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (c & wk), Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Dilshan Madushanka and Asitha Fernando.
Dream11 player pool suggested by the source lists wicket-keepers Jos Buttler and Kusal Mendis; batters Harry Brook, Pathum Nissanka, Joe Root and Charith Asalanka; and all-rounders Wanindu Hasaranga, Dasun Shanaka, Will Jacks and Liam Dawson. One captaincy recommendation set shows Captain First-Choice: Wanindu Hasaranga || Captain Second-Choice: Adil Rashid and Vice-Captain First-Choice: Jos Buttler || Vice-captain Second-Choice: Liam Dawson.
An alternate Dream11 selection block lists wicket-keepers Jos Buttler and Kusal Mendis; batters Harry Brook, Pathum Nissanka, Joe Root, Charith Asalanka and Ben Duckett; all-rounders Wanindu Hasaranga, Dasun Shanaka and Will Jacks. That set’s leadership picks are Captain First-Choice: Joe Root || Captain Second-Choice: Charith Asalanka and Vice-Captain First-Choice: Harry Brook || Vice-captain Second-Choice: Dasun Shanaka.
The source assessment notes Sri Lanka may feel more comfortable in the 50-over format because of their combination, but states England remain strong on this wicket and therefore backs England to win the first ODI. The first ENG vs SL ODI will take place on September 22, 2026 at Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street. For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.